Portable Defibrillators – Which is the best & why?
Our team of first aid & defibrillator specialists have compared two of our most popular portable defib to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is unpredictable and can strike at any time. The chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest significantly increase when a defibrillator is used compared to the chances of using CPR alone—this is why it’s so important to have a portable defibrillator at the ready.
With so many different Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on the market, it can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which one is best. At First Aid Accident & Emergency, we stock a huge range of portable defibrillators and defibrillator packs that are specifically designed for different environments. Some of these include workplace defibrillator packs, individual defibs and recreational defibrillator packs.
The Role of Defibrillators in Cardiac Arrest Response
During cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical activity becomes irregular, leading to an abnormal or non-existent heartbeat. Immediate intervention is crucial to restoring a normal rhythm, and time is of the essence. For each minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases significantly. This is why having a portable defibrillator nearby is vital.
CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and essential organs, but it cannot restart the heart. A defibrillator delivers a controlled electric shock that can restore normal heart rhythm. For many workplaces, public spaces, and recreational areas, it is important to have a reliable AED on hand, and staff trained in CPR.
Choosing the Right AED for Your Needs
With a variety of AEDs available on the market, selecting the right one depends on your specific requirements. AEDs are designed for ease of use, but different models offer various features suited to particular environments. Here, we compare two widely used portable defibrillators to help inform your decision.
Heartsine 360P Defibrillator Pack & Tough Case
Lightweight and incredibly durable, the Heartsine 360 Defibrillator Pack & Tough Case comes with a waterproof case and is tough enough to withstand our wild Australian weather conditions. Because of its handy and dependable case, this defibrillator package is perfect to take with you anywhere and is a top choice for many industries and recreational settings including:
Mine and construction sites, caravans and camping, boating and marine, vehicles and 4W driving, sporting and even airlines.
The Heartsine 360P defibrillator is fully automatic and suitable for use on both adults and children. This defibrillator is extremely easy to operate and provides the rescuer with visual and verbal prompts to help with pad placement and conducting CPR. The Heartsine 360P will also analyse the victim’s heart rhythm to automatically deliver a shock if required. This defib has one of the highest IPX ratings available, which means it’s suitable for outdoor and marine environments.
Lifepak CR2 Connect Auto Defibrillator
Much like the Heartsine 360P, the Lifepak CR2 Connect Auto is also very lightweight and extremely durable—another great option for outdoor environments, boating and worksites. This defibrillator has built-in adult and child modes, so it’s often a popular choice for childcare centres and schools. Fully automatic, the Lifepak CR2 features CPR Insight technology, which works to thoroughly analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and decide whether a shock is needed.
A few key features that make Lifepak CR2 Connect Auto Portable Defibrillators stand out are:
- Wifi connectivity setting – allowing asset management for large organisations.
- Bilingual option – two different language settings available that can be easily switched if needed during resuscitation.
Importance of CPR Training and AED Familiarisation
Although AEDs are designed for simplicity, having CPR training significantly enhances response effectiveness. CPR training equips individuals with the skills needed to maintain blood flow to the brain and other key organs until a defibrillator can be applied. When used alongside an AED, the chances of survival in cardiac emergencies improve dramatically.
CPR training courses are widely available across Australia and are valuable for anyone involved in emergency medical responses. These courses typically cover:
- Recognising the symptoms of cardiac arrest.
- Performing chest compressions and rescue breaths correctly.
- Proper usage of an AED.
- Providing basic life support until medical professionals arrive.
Many CPR courses include hands-on practice with AEDs, helping participants build confidence in using the device during real emergencies. Regular refresher courses are recommended, as CPR guidelines and AED technology evolve. Keeping staff trained and up to date can make a significant difference during an emergency.
AEDs in Public Spaces: A Growing Necessity
The installation of AEDs in public spaces is becoming more common in Australia, underscoring the importance of immediate intervention in cardiac emergencies. Many cities have placed AEDs in locations such as shopping centres, sports venues, and airports. These devices are intended for bystander use, enabling rapid assistance during the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
In some regions, regulations require businesses and public venues to install AEDs, particularly where large crowds gather or high-risk activities take place. Ensuring these defibrillators are maintained and that staff are trained to us.
Considerations When Purchasing a Defibrillator
When selecting a defibrillator, several factors should be considered:
- Environment: Whether the defibrillator will be used indoors or outdoors can affect the type of AED needed. For outdoor or harsh environments, a unit with a high IP rating and protective case may be necessary.
- Ease of Use: For staff not frequently trained in CPR, a fully automatic AED with clear prompts is an ideal option.
- Special Features: In settings where children are present, or where multiple languages are spoken, additional features like child mode and bilingual functionality may be essential.
- Connectivity: For organisations managing several AEDs, the Lifepak CR2’s Wi-Fi connectivity is valuable for monitoring and ensuring all devices are in working condition.
Both the Heartsine 360P and Lifepak CR2 Connect Auto defibrillators provide excellent reliability and advanced features. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs.
Get prepared now with a Portable Defib & First Aid Training
Make sure you’re prepared to react to a medical emergency by investing in the reassurance of a portable defibrillator. If you need more help deciding which defibrillator is right for you, get in contact with our expert team on 07 5520 5068 or browse our online store to see our full range of defibrillators and defibrillator packs available.
We also offer a range of first aid training courses to help you ensure your skills are up to scratch when it comes to correctly deal with any kind of medical emergency.
